Full Breakdown
Investigation into Santa Clara County's Measure A Campaign Mailers
4/8/2026, 10:07:07 PM
Overview of the Investigation
California's Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) is investigating Santa Clara County officials regarding the campaign for Measure A, a voter-approved sales tax increase aimed at protecting public hospitals from significant federal funding cuts. The inquiry follows a complaint from the Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association and the Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County, which alleges that the county improperly used public funds for campaign mailers that they claim amounted to "political propaganda." These mailers, sent under official county letterhead, warned residents of potential hospital closures and healthcare access issues due to budgetary constraints linked to the federal spending bill H.R. 1.
Allegations and County Response
The complaint asserts that the mailers violated election laws by attempting to sway voters towards approving Measure A. Jason Bezis, an attorney representing the anti-tax groups, stated, “It’s illegal for a local government to take sides in an election.” However, county officials contend that the mailers were purely informational, intended to inform all residents about the severe budget impacts resulting from H.R. 1, which they argue created a nearly $1 billion deficit threatening the county's health system. County Counsel Tony LoPresti emphasized the importance of transparency, asserting that informing the public about the crisis was appropriate.
Measure A's Purpose and Financial Implications
Measure A is structured as a general tax, allowing the county to allocate funds without specific restrictions. This decision was made to facilitate a simple majority approval rather than the 66.7% required for a special tax. County leaders project that the estimated annual revenue of $330 million from Measure A will help mitigate the financial losses incurred under H.R. 1.
Criticism from Local Leaders
Despite the county's assurances, skepticism arose among local leaders, including District Attorney Jeff Rosen and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who initially withheld support for Measure A due to concerns over the county's expansion of the hospital system amidst calls for budget cuts in law enforcement. Following reassurances regarding the allocation of Measure A funds, their opposition softened. However, Rosen later threatened an investigation into the county's handling of Measure A after County Executive James Williams recommended full allocation of the tax revenue to the health system.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Implications
The FPPC is also examining a separate complaint against a pro-Measure A campaign committee associated with law enforcement unions, which allegedly failed to report certain payments in a timely manner. Bezis has called for a broader investigation into the county's actions, suggesting that the checks and balances at the local level have failed. As the FPPC continues its investigation, the implications for Santa Clara County's governance and election integrity remain significant.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s illegal for a local government to take sides in an election and by spending public tax dollars to support Measure A, the county took sides,” — Jason Bezis, Attorney for Anti-Tax Groups
- “The county believes in transparency. The public has a right to know about the severe budgetary impacts associated with President Trump’s H.R. 1, which created a nearly $1 billion deficit and threatens the county’s health system and ability to provide safety net services,” — Tony LoPresti, County Counsel
- “H.R. 1 blew a massive hole in the county budget, and a huge share of that fell on our public health system,” — Maria Noel Fernandez, Executive Director of Working Partnerships USA
This investigation into Santa Clara County's handling of Measure A highlights the complexities of local governance, public funding, and electoral integrity, with ongoing scrutiny from both governmental and civic entities.
